is present at birth or develops before 18 years of age, affects a person’s ability to learn,

is permanent,

and,

can be mild or severe.

Someone with a developmental disability often requires extra help to learn, understand, and use information. A developmental disability can also affect one’s language and social skills, and it may overlap with other special needs. And it may mean one needs help with daily life, and requires assistance to be as independent and successful as others.

What developmental disabilities do private schools in Canada support?

Private schools in Canada support a wide range of developmental disabilities and disorders. Some of the main ones are listed below.

Asperger’s syndrome: This is a neurobiological disorder on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum. Kids with Asperger's syndrome have trouble with social and communication skills, as well as some of the same problems as kids with autism. Their IQs, though, are normally in the average to above-average range.

Down syndrome: This is a chromosomal abnormality that impedes development. It often leads to mild to severe intellectual delays, as well as delays in speech and language.

Intellectual disability: This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). It normally emerges before the age of 18 and can affect a range of social and practical skills.

Williams syndrome: This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. Kids with Williams syndrome tend to have developmental delays, learning disabilities, and attention deficits. Many are also excessively social.

Expressive language disorder: Kids with this disorder have problems expressing themselves through speech. They may also have a limited vocabulary and difficulty recalling words and producing complex or long sentences.

Second, schools offer different kinds of support for children with developmental disabilities. The three main kinds of support are accommodations, modifications, and remediations.

Accommodations

Accommodations removes obstacles to learning. They involve making changes to how kids learn, by making specific adaptations.

Environmental: These allow children to overcome physical barriers and access all parts of the learning environment. Examples include ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs.

Learning: These allow children to overcome learning challenges (that may be caused by developmental disabilities), and access grade-level expectations. Examples include resource rooms, audio books, and extra time for tests or assignments.

Psychological: These allow children to cope with the emotional challenges that may stem from their disabilities. Examples include psychotherapy, academic counselling, and support groups.

Curriculum: Learn different material, simplify material, get graded or assessed using a different standard, get excused from a class assignment or project

Remediations

Remediations eliminate, reduce, or ameliorate challenges kids with developmental disabilities have. These are often research-based therapeutic measures which involve intensive and individualized interventions and treatments.

Remediation

Provided by

Improve social skills

Cope with a language disorder

Deal with an attention deficit

Social worker/psychologist

Speech-language pathologist

Physician/psychologist

Below, we list schools offering support for one or more developmental disability. Click on a school to learn more about it, including its special needs programming. Find a school for developmental disabilities near you.

List of dedicated special needs schools with support for developmental disabilities

These are dedicated special needs schools with support for developmental disabilities. They provide full-time special needs support for all students in the school, through accommodations, modifications, and remediations.

The Thinnox Academy is a Mississauga private high school with a focus on technology, engineering and design. Graduates stand out from their peers when applying into University or College. [View profile]

Oakwood Academy is a special education private school in Mississauga. It offers programs from pre-school to grade 12. Oakwood also offers a unique 6 week summer camp focusing on social skills and emotional development. [View profile]

Chisholm Academy, a school in Oakville for students with learning difficulties, offers an average class size of 10 students with a starting tuition cost of $17,750. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Halton-Peel

We are a new style of independent school for diverse learners where all students learn with dignity; where a warm and nurturing school serves as a foundation for remarkable lives; and where the whole person who matters. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

Robert Land Academy is a private military-themed boarding school (Gr 5-12) helping boys to achieve their potential and gain admission to post-secondary programs. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto, Halton-Peel

We are a licensed therapeutic boarding school for Gr. 1-12 students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions in small class sizes and professional home environments. [View profile]

Centennial is the only high school in Quebec that helps students master their challenges of learning and graduate on time. Over 90% of our students graduate in five years and go on to college and university. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Montreal

Alpine Academy isn't just a school, it is an experience that prepares young women for life beyond our campus. Students learn to engage in not only academics, but also family, community, and interpersonal relationships. [View profile]

Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with ADHD, learning challenges, underachieving, behavioural issues, and a variety of clinical diagnoses. [View profile]

Providence Academy is the only Private French Catholic School offering a trilingual program of study in Ontario with classes from nursery to grade eight. Tuition: $8,800-10,300. Extracurricular activities: $600-$650. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Ottawa

Kohai LIFE offers programmes for those aged 18 years+ with special needs or learning challenges. Our participants develop life skills, gain work experience, continue learning and stay active, all while having fun! [View profile]

Founded on the science of neuroplasticity, Arrowsmith Program provides students with the skills necessary to overcome their learning disabilities and transform their academic, cognitive, emotional and social lives. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

Third Academy is Calgary's school for special needs and gifted education. The school teaches what students need, the way they need it and never loses sight of well-rounded learning. Click to learn more. [View profile]

Foothills Academy is an independent school for students with diagnosed Learning Disabilities in grades 3 - 12. Small class sizes allow the experienced staff to create a positive learning environment. [View profile]

A friendly, active boarding school for bright boys who have good intentions but who may be too impulsive, intense, or bothersome for other schools and whose intellectual interests may separate them from their peers. [View profile]

The Mediated Learning Academy is a special need school for students K-12 with certified teachers, supported by Speech-Language Pathologists; Occupational and Physiotherapists, and Counsellors [View profile]

AVRO Academy is an alternative high school in Toronto for grades 9 to 12. Students earn credits while developing skills that best prepares them for post secondary education. We focus on student strength! [View profile]

The Dunblaine School empowers students with learning disabilities to reach their full potential. It offers programs for students from grade one to eight, with an average class size of 5-7 students. [View profile]

Venture Academy is a therapeutic private school providing educational and clinical support services, individualized instruction and engaging interaction to get students back on track and restore confidence. [View profile]

Focus Foundation is a world-class educational and therapeutic learning institution, described by Dr. Charles Huffine, former President of the American Association of Community Psychiatrists. [View profile]

Astolot Educational Centre is a day school with grades 1 to 12 in Ottawa, Ontario. Classroom teacher-student ratios are 1 to 10. Students have the ability to reach their full potential with Astolot programming. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Ottawa

Oxford Tutorial College is a leading independent college specialising in A-level, GCSE, BTEC tuition for students grade 10 to 12, intending to go on to higher education at a good British University. [View profile]

Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with ADHD, learning challenges, underachieving, behavioural issues, and a variety of clinical diagnoses. [View profile]

List of other schools with support for developmental disabilities

These are regular schools which offer support for developmental disabilities through a wide range of placements. Environments offered may include dedicated, integrated, and withdrawal special needs classes, as well as regular classes with resource support and in-class adaptations.

Hawthorn School is an all-girls school in Toronto that offers programs from toddler to grade 12. Our unique mentoring program is tailored to each girl to help them reach their full potential. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

Toronto Prep School starts later in order to maximize teen learning. The optimal time for teenagers to learn is late in the morning through to late afternoon. Our classes start at 10:00 am. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

Don Valley Academy is a private high school whose primary aim is to prepare our students for post-secondary studies. We are dedicated to providing educational programs that meet the needs of each student. [View profile]

Located just 45 minutes east of Toronto, Trafalgar Castle School offers world-class curriculum in a small-school environment that inspires and encourages growth.
* Day and boarding
* All Girls
* Grades 5 to 12 [View profile]

We are proud to offer families a superior elementary school education where God and His Word are central to the curriculum. Our faculty of qualified teachers is committed to loving and teaching each child. [View profile]

Appleby College in Oakville is recognized globally as one of Canada's leading independent schools. Breadth, excellence, innovation and caring are the characteristics that define the essence of the Appleby experience. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto, Halton-Peel

Since 1982, Metropolitan Preparatory Academy has offered academic/university preparation courses. MPA offers programs from grades 7 to 12 with an average class size of 12 to 18 students. MPA is a member of OFIS. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

St. Margaret's School (est. 1908) is an independent school in Victoria, BC, offering empowering education for girls from JK to Grade 12. At SMS, girls don't just get equal opportunity; they get every opportunity. [View profile]

Conveniently located in Midtown Toronto, our Junior and Elementary campuses are a popular choice for families seeking exceptional childcare and the very best Montessori education for their children. [View profile]

This traditional private school in Toronto offers preschool to grade 12 with average class sizes of 15 students. Facilities include a double gym and more. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

Blyth Academy Yorkville is a private high school for Grade 9-12 students, located in the heart of downtown Toronto, moments away from some of Toronto’s most exciting cultural and entertainment venues. [View profile]

Lynn-Rose Heights Private School offers challenging academic programming from three years old to grade twelve in Mississauga. Lynn-Rose Heights school is an official International Baccalaureate World School. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Halton-Peel

Lynn-Rose College is an accredited IB World School that offers a university prep program for students grades 7 to 12.
Our students have the option of advanced study in our reach ahead program. [View profile]

Peel Montessori School offers an enriched, personalized program. Emphasis is on strong academics, and the development of personal excellence (leadership skills, creativity) in a supportive, family-like environment. [View profile]

Académie de la Capitale, an IB World School in Ottawa, offers programmes in both English and French, from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Students thrive in a culture of academic excellence and real-life learning. [View profile]

Bishop's College School is an English boarding and day school for students in grades 7 through 12. Small in size and culturally diverse, BCS is a member of RoundSquare and offers an ESL program and AP courses. [View profile]

Founded in 1893, Olivet School is a Christian private school in Etobicoke, offering PS-Gr5. Olivet School combines quality teaching with individual attention to help each child achieve their personal potential. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

Brampton Christian School in Caledon, Ontario, offers JK to Grade 12, with average class sizes from 17 to 19 students and a one-student tuition cost of $10,290. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Halton-Peel

At Hamilton District Christian High we believe exceptional learning is for every student. Our aim is to differentiate learning so that each student can reach their full potential through Project-Based learning. [View profile]

Cousteau school is a unique French language school in BC, #1 in the last Fraser Institute ranking. We provide academic excellence from Preschool to Grade 9. Class sizes can be as small as 13 students. [View profile]

Headwaters Academy focuses on building a child's resiliency and capacity for innovation through entrepreneurial studies, problem-based learning, and personalized instruction. Its average class size is 9 students. [View profile]

The Linden School provides a challenging academic program for girls from JK - Grade 12. We create opportunities to discover the joys of learning and foster the development of critical thinking and physical well-being. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

Star Academy offers programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade Eight in Mississauga. Small class sizes, daily physical education and French for all grades, and academic excellence set us apart. [View profile]

Cedar Ridge High School is an independent high school, grades 9 to 10, in Kanata, Ontario. Our school offers an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a focus on leadership, innovation, student engagement and academics. [View profile]

Glenlyon Norfolk School, an independent school in Victoria, BC, provides International Baccalaureate programs from JK to Grade 12. GNS offers 5- and 7-day Family Boarding for students who are not residents of Victoria. [View profile]

MJDS inspires a lifetime love for learning in a nurturing environment that fosters respect for oneself, the community and the world, guided by the shared values of Judaism and Montessori education. [View profile]

John Knox Christian School in Oakville offers an exceptional education experience for students from junior kindergarten to grade 8. We ignite wonder for God, neighbour, and creation in everything we do. [View profile]

Blyth Academy Mississauga is a flourishing private middle and high school housed in unique heritage buildings. We focus on personalized education, very small class sizes, and experiential learning. [View profile]

The London School offers personalized education in the heart of London for grades 7 through 12. We offer a comprehensive academic program specializing in classes for anxious and stressed students. [View profile]

Madrona School Society is a gifted school in Vancouver. It offers programs for kindergarten to grade nine with an average class size of six to 14 students. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Vancouver

Montessori Country School has provided a first-class academic experience to students in an environment that is distinguished by its compassion, integrity and unwavering commitment to the individual child.
[View profile]

Oxford Learning Academy – where your child will experience a homeschooling approach with the benefits of socialization in a small classroom environment. This Milton private school runs from PK to grade 8. [View profile]

King’s Christian Collegiate is an independent Christian high school providing superb instruction in a safe, stimulating academic environment. Caring staff set the tone for a positive, up-beat culture. [View profile]

City Academy offers courses which follow Ontario Curriculum Guidelines. Utilizing teachers who are subject specialists and following a flexible and unique timetabling format, we are committed to every student's success. [View profile]

Our campus located in midtown Toronto provides the warmth and community of a neighbourhood school. We are a short distance from our partners at the Royal Ontario Museum and Outward Bound at the Evergreen Brickworks. [View profile]

New Heights Learning ranges from 1:1 ABA Therapy to social ABA groups for all kids for all different developments. We pride ourselves in developing programs based on the child and parents needs. [View profile]

Toronto eSchool is both an online high school and a tutoring centre offering grade 9 to 12 credit courses to local and international students on a part-time or full-time basis at your home or at our Toronto Campus. [View profile]

Blooming Lives Montessori celebrates and nurtures the sense of curiosity of each child, supports them in exploring their expanding capabilities and guides them into their thriving potentials. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

North Star Academy Laval is the only private English high school in Laval. We offer small classroom sizes for individualized attention. We teach not only for school but for life! Certificate of eligibility not required. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Montreal

For over 25 years, the Montessori Country School provides a first-class accredited curriculum for students 12 months through grade 6. The sprawling 10 acre campus offers a unique indoor and outdoor learning experience. [View profile]

St. Clement's Early Learning School
70 St. Clements Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1H2
St. Clement’s Early Learning School provides a child with an opportunity for growth in all areas of his or her development. [View profile]

Incorporating academic excellence, service and peacemaking, Rockway is a diverse learning community of 265 students in Grades 7 to 12 including a dynamic international student exchange program. [View profile]

Kells Academy is a private school in Montreal which offers Kindergarten to grade 11. Its average class size is 15 students. We offer boarding facilities & separate Elementary,Middle and High School campuses. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Montreal

The Study offers a bilingual mother tongue programme in both English and French from kindergarten to grade 11 in Westmount, Quebec. The average class size is 12 to 18 students. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Montreal

Robbins Hebrew Academy (RHA) teaches students to think critically and globally, in a community that builds self-esteem and life-long character. RHA is Toronto’s first Jewish school to be CAIS accredited. [View profile]

Crestwood Preparatory College offers a university preparatory program for students in grades 7 to 12. Crestwood always strive to Inspire Excellence and to Nurture the Individual. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

St. George's School of Montreal is a bi-lingual private school where students acquire a life-long love of learning as we challenge each student to excel and become confident problem solvers and engaged citizens. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Montreal

We aim to create a community to enable children to honour and respect their innate goodness, their joy in learning and their responsibility as caring global citizens and stewards of the earth. [View profile]

University of Toronto Schools (UTS) offers a transformative education to high-achieving students in Grades 7 to 12. UTS graduates take initiative and innovate as socially-responsible global citizens. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

RJC offers a program of academic excellence for students in grades 10-12 from any faith or culture. Students are challenged to serve, teach and learn, encourage, share, lead and above all offer each other mercy and love. [View profile]

Aurora Preparatory Academy is small by design, a supportive JK-8 community in which students thrive. Affordable tuition and an advanced programme, including all-grade French, music and art, and inclusive sports teams. [View profile]

Virtual High School is an online private school, providing OSSD credit courses. Students start any day, work at their own pace and write their final exam at a time and place of their choosing. No textbooks required. [View profile]

Founded in 1912, Montverde Academy is an elite college preparatory school for students in grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies with a distinct student population from over 80 countries worldwide. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Montreal

Ridley College is an acclaimed co-educational boarding and day school that prepares meaningful and flourishing lives by teaching the habits of mind, body, and spirit, and the values needed to lead in a global society. [View profile]

BCA is Burlington’s leading Christian Elementary school. Over 160 students in grades JK through 8 partake in one of the most progressive educational programs in Southern Ontario. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Halton-Peel

Hitherfield School offers programs from pre-school to grade 8. With an average class size of 14 students, we offer an excellent academic program along with a multitude of outdoor activities. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Halton-Peel

At Blyth Academy Waterloo we are building an active and dynamic school community. We offer not only our outstanding Grades 9–12 program but also a middle school program and facilities for students in Grades 7–8. [View profile]

St. Michael's College School offers students in Grades 7-12 an enriched, Catholic, liberal arts education complemented by a diverse co-curricular programme. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

Blyth Academy Burlington, located in Village Square in the heart of downtown Burlington, offers not only our outstanding Grades 9–12 program but also a middle years program and facilities for students in Grades 6–8. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto

Niagara Christian Collegiate offers both middle school and secondary school programs from Grades 6-12. Graduating students achieve top university placements around the world. We accept both day and boarding students. [View profile] School Expo Exhibitor - Toronto, Halton-Peel, Vancouver, Ottawa